Joe Maniscalco

One of Hampton Roads' most effervescent entertainers, Joe Maniscalco, died Jan. 28 after a long illness. He was 60.

"Joe loved life and always lived it to the fullest; believing each day to be a gift," a line from his obituary reads. "Although he performed all over the country, he always called Norfolk home."

A celebration of his life was held Wednesday at Crossroads Church in Norfolk.

"Joe's memorial was beautiful," wrote his sister, Donna Riley, on Maniscalco's Facebook page. "Many tributes to and about Joe's character and the life he led. The music was especially meaningful and beautiful, particularly the song my son Shamus sang. My nephew Joseph, Joe's son, was mature, funny and remarkable as he paid tribute to his Dad. God Bless you Joseph. Thank you Mr. Matroni, Fran Harding, Joe Flanagan, Mike Binnetti and Huge Copeland for the wonderful eulogies you each gave, touching on Joe's many talents. Thank you Linley and Robbie for your music as well as Patty Costis and the Crossroads Praise Band."

She concluded, "Brother Joe, 'No good party ever ends, it just relocates,' herald those trumpets!"

Although he performed all over the country, he always called Norfolk home. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pilotonline/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-j-maniscalco&pid=169392927#sthash.7VSptLmq.dpufAlthough he performed all over the country, he always called Norfolk home. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pilotonline/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-j-maniscalco&pid=169392927#sthash.7VSptLmq.dpuf

"People always try to pigeonhole me as a Jimmy Buffett dude," he said. "They don't understand, I can be in a tuxedo playing jazz at wine festival one day, and the next I'm in bib overalls playing a pig pickin' ... I can wear multiple hats. I call it international music."